Is it normal for women to experience menstrual pain every month?

Aug 24, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
It is common for women to experience mild discomfort in the lower abdomen during menstruation. This is generally considered normal and does not interfere with work or studies. However, if menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) significantly affects daily activities such as work or study, it is no longer considered typical. If severe lower abdominal pain occurs due to dysmenorrhea, it is essential to visit a hospital for a color Doppler ultrasound examination to rule out endometriosis.

Menstruation is a unique physiological characteristic of females. Some women experience no symptoms at all during their periods, while others suffer from severe pain. Is it normal for women to experience menstrual pain every month?

Is it normal for women to experience menstrual pain every month?

Typically, women may feel mild discomfort in the lower abdomen during menstruation. This is generally considered normal and does not interfere with daily work or studies. However, if menstrual pain significantly impairs work or academic performance, it is considered abnormal.

If severe lower abdominal pain occurs due to dysmenorrhea, it is essential to visit a hospital for a color Doppler ultrasound examination to rule out endometriosis. Enlarged uterus and heterogeneous echogenicity of the myometrium often suggest endometriosis, requiring individualized, symptom-based treatment. Additionally, if dysmenorrhea results from uterine coldness, it may be accompanied by lower abdominal pain, a sensation of coldness in the lower abdomen, and cold hands and feet. In such cases, treatment typically involves warming the meridians, dispelling cold, warming the uterus, and relieving pain. When dysmenorrhea arises from qi stagnation and blood stasis, it commonly manifests as heavy menstrual flow with large clots; pain often eases after clot expulsion.

Women are advised against consuming caffeinated beverages during menstruation. Drinking coffee during this time may cause breast tenderness and lead to anxiety, irritability, and emotional instability. It may also deplete stored vitamin B and disrupt carbohydrate metabolism. We hope this article has been helpful to you!